Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said he is "quite optimistic" that Tehran and six world powers can find an agreement over Iran's controversial nuclear program.

Zarif made his comments after talks with European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton in Brussels on September 1.

He said the situation should be resolved by the November 24 deadline: "I hope with the readiness and political will that I see in all parties to this discussion to have a resolution within the next three months."

Iran has been in intensive talks since last year with officials from Germany, France, the United States, Britain, Russia, and China aimed at curbing Tehran's nuclear program in exchange for relief from international economic sanctions against Iran.

Iranian officials claim their nuclear program is only for peaceful purposes.